Field Trial Data Collection and Plant Phenotyping in Norway

The Nordic Testbed Network Roadshow 2026 in Norway brought together participants from across the Nordic-Baltic region for two inspiring days focused on field trial data collection, plant phenotyping and digitalisation in agricultural research.

Through presentations, site visits and professional dialogue, participants gained first-hand insight into Norwegian research infrastructures, plant phenotyping environments and practical approaches to field-based data collection and innovation.

The roadshow created a valuable opportunity to meet across organisations and disciplines, exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration around data-driven agricultural research and development. Over the two days, participants visited both NIBIO and NMBU, where hosts and organisers presented facilities, methods and technologies used in field trials and phenotyping activities.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Malik, Krzysztof and the teams behind them for the excellent planning and hosting of the roadshow. We would also like to thank NKJ and the Nordic Testbed Network for supporting this event, and NB-PPN for co-organising the programme.

Roadshow highlights

The roadshow gave participants an opportunity to:

• learn from Norwegian facilities and field trial environments,
• explore methods and technologies for data collection and phenotyping,
• exchange experiences with researchers, testbeds and innovation actors from across the Nordic-Baltic region, and
• strengthen collaboration around digitalisation in agricultural research and development.

The event was relevant for researchers, students, testbed organisations, research infrastructures, technology providers, advisors and other public and private stakeholders working with agriculture, field trials, sensing, monitoring and data solutions.

Day 1 – Visit to NIBIO

The first day took place at NIBIO, where participants were welcomed to a strong professional programme combining presentations, technical insight and field-related activities. The visit offered a close look at Norwegian work within precision agriculture, long-term experimentation and plant-related data collection in practice.

Hosts and organisers introduced the roadshow and framed the broader ambitions of the Nordic Testbed Network and its connected initiatives. This was followed by discussions on facilities, methods and research needs, helping align perspectives across participants from different countries and organisations.

The visit also included technical exchange and workshop-style dialogue around data collection, field phenotyping and the opportunities and challenges connected to digitalisation in research infrastructures.

Participants were introduced to long-term field activities and research environments that demonstrated how sustained data collection can support agricultural development and knowledge generation over time.

The day also highlighted technologies and equipment used in field-based observation and monitoring, including larger-scale drone applications.

Day 2 – Visit to NMBU

The second day took place at NMBU, where the programme continued with presentations, technical visits and dialogue on plant phenotyping and research infrastructure.

The hosts gave participants an introduction to the facilities and research environment at NMBU, followed by discussions on current activities, methods and opportunities for collaboration across the Nordic-Baltic network.

Participants visited greenhouse facilities and explored how controlled environments can support plant phenotyping and complement field-based experimentation.

The programme also included demonstrations of instruments, sensors and practical equipment relevant for agricultural data collection and monitoring.

A highlight of the visit was the presentation of robotic and automated solutions, including Thorvald, illustrating how advanced technologies are being integrated into agricultural research and practice.

The visit further showcased research related to crops, water and cultivation environments, adding perspective to the broader discussions on sustainability, innovation and digitalisation in agriculture.

A valuable Nordic-Baltic exchange

The roadshow confirmed the importance of meeting in person and creating space for dialogue across institutions, disciplines and countries. The combination of site visits, technical insight and informal conversations made the programme both professionally valuable and highly relevant for future collaboration.

The Nordic Testbed Network was pleased to support this roadshow together with its partners and thanks all participants, hosts and organisers for contributing to two engaging and well-executed days in Norway.